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“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:4–5)

This must become a living truth in the lives of believers; a branch of itself has no life apart from the vine. It cannot create fruit by its own effort, no matter how hard it tries. The life, nourishment, and strength that are evident and vital in the branch flows only from the vine.

In the same way, every disciple must remain in Christ, drawing from His life and strength. Without Jesus, fruit is impossible. With Him, fruit is certain.

Jesus revealed the purpose of this fruitfulness: “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

Fruit does not glorify the branch, it glorifies the vine and the vinedresser. A fruitful life shows that the Fathers power is at work. It is the visible proof of being a true disciple, not just in name, but in reality.

The Father is honoured when lives are changed, when love, obedience, and righteousness flow out of His children.

Finally, Jesus reminded His disciples that this fruitfulness was not optional but part of His calling upon their lives:  “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” (John 15:16)

The teaching of Jesus leaves no room for fruitless discipleship. Abiding in Him results in much fruit, fruit that glorifies the Father, and fruit that proves we truly belong to Him. To claim to be His disciple while refusing to bear fruit is to deny His very word.

Let every heart examine itself, for the words of Jesus stand sure: “Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.” The true disciple does not merely profess Christ, but proves it by a life that reveals Him.

To abide in Jesus Christ is to live a life that honours the Father, blesses others, and testifies that Christ is alive in His people.